On July 15, 2025, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the umbrella platform known as the Network for Civil Society Organizations (NeCSOs) paid a visit to the office of the acting governor, Hon. Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa. This visit highlighted the growing role of CSOs in supporting governance, advocating for community interests, and fostering peace and development within the region.
The visit was primarily to extend congratulations to the acting governor on the critical step of re-opening the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly—an achievement that CSOs had actively advocated for, but which had initially faced resistance. In their visit, NeCSOs expressed their satisfaction that their persistent engagement with members of parliament and stakeholders had contributed to this positive development. They emphasized that the reopening of the Assembly marked a significant milestone in promoting democratic governance and ensuring that community voices could be represented and heard effectively.
CSOs shared that their advocacy efforts had focused significantly on addressing land mismanagement issues within the community. They had engaged closely with legislators and community leaders with the goal of minimizing land conflicts and promoting equitable land use—an issue central to social stability and economic development in Western Equatoria. The reopening of the Assembly, according to the CSOs, promises to enhance ongoing collaborations between civil society and legislative authorities, creating a more participatory and transparent governance environment.
Support and Commitment to Government Policies
Another key reason for the visit was to extend congratulations to the acting governor on the government’s recent policy statement, which the state government had officially released. NeCSOs expressed their full support and commitment to advocating for the successful implementation of this policy. They underscored that the policy belonged not only to the government but also to the wider community, emphasizing that it was designed for the benefit of all residents in WES.
The CSOs pledged to undertake awareness campaigns through radio talk shows, community workshops, and other outreach activities to educate and mobilize the public regarding the importance of the policy. Their goal is to ensure that community members understand their rights and responsibilities under the policy framework, fostering widespread community engagement and ownership. Furthermore, NeCSOs vowed to maintain close monitoring and follow-up with both the community and state ministries through organized conferences, ensuring that the policy’s objectives are realized effectively.
Addressing the Tambura County Crisis
A critical aspect of the CSOs’ engagement was raising the urgent issue of the ongoing crisis in Tambura County. The delegation brought this matter directly to the attention of the acting governor, urging prompt actions to prevent the crisis from escalating and affecting the wider national stability of South Sudan. NeCSOs highlighted that previous efforts to facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties in Tambura had been continuously turned down, exacerbating tensions and risking further violence.
The CSOs emphasized that dialogue remains a crucial tool for conflict resolution and that stakeholders need to be willing to listen and understand different perspectives to restore peace. They called upon the government to consider creating an environment conducive to dialogue and reconciliation, as peace in Tambura is vital for the region’s stability and development. The CSOs expressed their willingness to support peace initiatives and mediatory efforts to bring conflicting parties to the table for meaningful discussions.
The Acting Governor’s Response
In his response, Hon. Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa expressed appreciation for the robust support of the civil society organizations. He commended NeCSOs for their dedication and the vital role they play in complementing government efforts to serve the community. The acting governor acknowledged the importance of mutual cooperation and assured the CSOs of his commitment to creating a conducive environment for civil society activities that facilitate service delivery and development.
He also shared his personal commitment to visiting Tambura County to directly assess the root causes of the crisis. The governor emphasized that resolving the Tambura crisis requires a focused and comprehensive approach, including dialogue and reconciliation, and he is determined to lead efforts to restore peace in that area.